Our Galveston injury lawyers are aware that probation officers across Texas facie growing caseloads even as budget cuts make their jobs more challenging. So probation officers increasingly rely on technology to help them in their mission to keep tabs on dangerous DWI offenders who might risk taking to the roads drunk again and causing deadly DWI crashes if not properly supervised.

 In addition to face-to-face meetings with their probation officers, DWI offenders are often required to install ignition interlock devices (IIDs) on their vehicles at their own expense to help assure proper monitoring of their behavior.

 When a convicted DWI offender has previous convictions or has caused an accident by driving drunk, Texas law requires the installation of an IID on their vehicle. Even a first time DWI offender might be required to have an IID on their vehicle for up to 6 months. The court also might order rehab or drug education programs to ensure that the convicted offender stay sober.

 Our Galveston injury lawyers note that an IID will generally test a driver’s breath for alcohol every time they start the car. Probation officers might also conduct testing at random intervals using the IID. Probation officers might order a convicted DWI offender to show up in person for scheduled testing, especially if the offender has refused to take a breath test. A refusal also might lead to automatic suspension of the offender’s driver’s license.

 The latest generation of IID devices can send a driver’s location to probation officers using a GPS function. The IID can also take the driver’s picture and forward it so that officer’s have additional means to verify the driver’s identity and deter “cheating.” The devices can send and receive text messages and reminders for testing, as well as provide real-time reports to monitoring officers.

 Modern IIDs represent just one more tool in the arsenal of methods for preventing repeat DWI offenses. But repeat DWI offenses continue to occur at an alarming rate throughout Texas. Many of these recidivist DWI offenders cause serious injury accidents and even deadly DWI crashes. Learn more details about IIDs and their use in this informative article on IIDs by our Galveston injury lawyers.